this might be a big problem

[bonesaw]

I restarted my computer because i updated a program and before the cpu could restart it went to a black page that said"Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: windows/system32/config/system. sounds real important and then under that is says'' you can attempt to repair this file by starting windows setup using the original setup cd-rom. and then it says "select 'r' at the first srceen to start repair. the program i was updating was an anti-virus program

if i put in the rebootable disk wont that erase my hard drive when i put it in?
this is the first time something even close to this has happened

[DaveBC]

Originally Posted by bonesaw

I restarted my computer because i updated a program and before the cpu could restart it went to a black page that said"Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt: windows/system32/config/system. sounds real important and then under that is says'' you can attempt to repair this file by starting windows setup using the original setup cd-rom. and then it says "select 'r' at the first srceen to start repair. the program i was updating was an anti-virus program

if i put in the rebootable disk wont that erase my hard drive when i put it in?
this is the first time something even close to this has happened

No, you can use the repair console and not lose your programs. BUT you will need to update XP again and some programs that may be dependent on those updates (MSN.net for instance) may not function correctly and might have to be reinstalled. Good Luck

[bonesaw]

but how does something like this happen so can see to it that it doesn't happen again in the future

[bonesaw]

dont i need a bootable windows cd right?

[Got EpOx]

Yes a windows bootable CD is required as it contains a fresh copy of the file you need. Once you've inserted the disc you should have the option to repair windows.

[CoachB22]

bonesaw,

When you get things running again, you might want to run Memtest and Prime95. This will stress your Ram and CPU to make sure something isn't failing or at least needs attention.
Cleaned out the case and heatsinks lately???

CoachB

[Daniel ~]

Originally Posted by bonesaw

but how does something like this happen so can see to it that it doesn't happen again in the future

Here's the truth, this WILL happen again in the future. A good means of back up is the computer users ONLY friend! ":O}

This goes double for an overclocker, so two exclamation points!! Most people reinstall at lest twice a year. I've gone through periods of learning where I reinstall at lest once a week. You get more comfortable with the process as time goes on.

[tripo]

Welcome to the Suck !!
Any changes to the system configuration such as upgrades,installs can break the system unintentionally. Just a fact of life , be prepared and archive/backup your important files. One other thing that could help is having System Restore under Windows XP ( if using that ) enabled and having restore points created everytime before you make any major installs /upgrades .

[bonesaw]

i coundn't repair the file. maybe i did something wrong, probly. but now there are to windows xps on my computer. I can see all the old **** i had and want to keep but it don't work. and the new xp sucks no udates no drivers at all and a little buggy. is there any way to get back to my original os without formatting the drive and can i get rid of the new os and go back the old one to fix it?

[cloasters]

What bonesaw asks may be possible. If so, please let him know how to do it. Thank you!

[Gizmo]

Originally Posted by bonesaw

i coundn't repair the file. maybe i did something wrong, probly. but now there are to windows xps on my computer. I can see all the old **** i had and want to keep but it don't work. and the new xp sucks no udates no drivers at all and a little buggy. is there any way to get back to my original os without formatting the drive and can i get rid of the new os and go back the old one to fix it?

When you boot up, does Windows ask you which installation you'd like to boot into?

[madcatmk3]

I've nevr had windows repair work, but I have gotten that messages a few times, I hit the restart buton and it happend two times more and then stoped, it hasn't heppend since.

[bonesaw]

problem fixed i just bought a 300gb hard drive and started over from scratch everything works perfect (accept battlefield2) but one thing i messed up is i thing i installed windows twice because everytime i turn my computer on it asks me what os i want to us and they are both xp and when the timer goes off it loads the first one and works good. i hope this isn't a problem

[Staz]

Originally Posted by bonesaw

problem fixed i just bought a 300gb hard drive and started over from scratch everything works perfect (accept battlefield2) but one thing i messed up is i thing i installed windows twice because everytime i turn my computer on it asks me what os i want to us and they are both xp and when the timer goes off it loads the first one and works good. i hope this isn't a problem

That's not a problem at all. It has to do with the way windows sets up how it boots. Insisting that it be the first OS. If you had a dual boot system it would show the same menu with your other distro under it. I always use FDISK and repartition the drive befor setting it up.

[Daishi]

if you go to start>run>msconfig>boot.ini then click check all boot paths and hit ok or yes and then hit apply and it should get rid of the extra windows xp selection upon bootup if u just reformated.